📈 Chinese Cars Surge in Popularity
In June 2025 alone, 18,944 Chinese-made vehicles were sold in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That’s <strong10% of all cars sold that month—up from just 6% a year earlier.
Across the first half of 2025, Chinese brands held more than 8% of market share, compared to 5% in 2023–2024. Many of these sales are driven by electric vehicles (EVs), which continue to benefit from government climate targets and consumer appetite for cheaper running costs.
In comparison, Chinese brands represent just 4.3% of the market across the EU, 2.7% in France, and 1.6% in Germany. Spain is higher at 9.2%, but still behind the UK.
“The fact that the UK has not imposed tariffs is a big opportunity for the Chinese, along with the popularity of electric cars.”
— Felipe Munoz, Jato Analytics
⚠️ Tariff-Free Advantage (For Now)
Unlike the US, Canada, and the EU, the UK has not imposed additional tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Canada recently added a 100% tax on imports. The EU introduced duties up to 45%, though negotiations are underway to replace these with a minimum pricing system.
Some industry insiders warn the UK may be forced to introduce quotas or local production requirements to keep up. Many Chinese brands are already buying up UK showrooms to deepen their presence and support buyers locally.
“Chinese manufacturers are producing cars which are better, cheaper and more innovative in every sector of the market. If they are going to sell here, we are going to have to get the Chinese to manufacture here.”
— John Neill, former SMMT President
🚗 Who’s Selling Chinese Cars in the UK?
| Brand | Highlight |
|---|---|
| BYD | Models like Atto 3 and Dolphin Surf (£18,650); expanding quickly with a UK dealer network. |
| Jaecoo (Chery) | Rugged SUVs like the J7, aiming to rival Land Rover at lower prices. |
| Omoda (Chery) | Compact SUV Omoda 5 competes with Qashqai; available in petrol and EV options. |
| Leapmotor | Budget-friendly EVs like the T03 and upcoming SUVs; partnered with Stellantis. |
| Ora (Great Wall Motor) | Stylish EVs like Ora 03 hatch and upcoming Ora 07 saloon. |
| XPeng | “Chinese Tesla” – G6 SUV already in the UK, with G9 and X9 MPV arriving by 2028. |
| Denza (BYD Luxury) | Launching luxury EVs like Z9GT by 2026 to rival Audi and Lexus. |
| Aiways | Electric SUVs like U5 and coupe-style U6 due in late 2025. |
| Zeekr (Geely) | Premium EVs including Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X coming to the UK in 2026. |
💬 Nick’s Take: Are We Ready to Ditch the Old Guard?
- ✅ Value + Innovation: Chinese EVs pack features and tech at a fraction of the cost of German rivals.
- ✅ Warranty Support: Long warranties and growing UK dealer presence builds buyer confidence.
- ⚠️ Brand Trust: Older generations still hesitate due to low name recognition—but Gen Z and Millennials are more open-minded.
We’ve seen it before: Hyundai and Kia were once underdogs too. Now they dominate. Chinese automakers could be following that same trajectory—only faster, and electric-first.
